Kamahi Loop Track (Boundary Stream): Time & Access

Route overview

The walk passes through podocarp forest, passes an ancient mataī tree and a 'ghost forest' of regeneration kāmahi trees

This DOC directory entry covers Kamahi Loop Track in Hawke's Bay, within Boundary Stream area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: 4.5 km loop
• Walking time: 2 hr
• DOC grade: Easy

Access and alerts

Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

The Kamahi Loop Track passes through mature podocarp forest for the first 400 metres. An ancient mataī grows near the junction of the loop track. Along the bluff tops, aerial displays from kererū, tūī and korimako/bellbird are often seen.

This is a key site for visitors to observe vegetation recovery and the diverse vegetation of the reserve. The ‘ghost forest’, a monoculture of kāmahi trees, sprang up after fires swept through the area around 100 years ago.

The kāmahi is one of the first trees to regenerate when land has been cleared. It provides a stable environment that allows other species, like podocarp and broadleaf, to mature. Once these species reach the canopy they will out-compete the kāmahi for light and the forest will revert to its original state.

Getting there

Boundary Stream Mainland Island is located approximately one hour's drive north of Napier. Follow State Highway 2 to Tūtira, turn left at Tutira onto Matahorua Road then left onto Pohokura Road.

The final section of the drive is on an unsealed road. It is narrow, winding and steep in places. Stay left, keep headlights on, and drive to the conditions.

Know before you go

What to expect

• Steep sections

• Muddy after rain

• Sturdy footwear recommended

Predator control

• Boundary Stream Mainland Island has extensive predator control. This protects rare native birds like kiwi, kōkako and kākā. Do not disturb traps and bait stations.

• There is a network of predator traps throughout the area, marked by pink and blue triangles. Follow the orange triangles to stay on the walking track.

Caves and holes

This is a limestone area and there are caves, shafts and sinkholes off the track. They are unmarked and may be unstable.

If you discover an unmarked cave, shaft or sinkhole near a track, stay back and report it to DOC.

Wasps and ongaonga

There are wasps and ongaonga (native stinging nettle) in this area. We recommend carrying allergy medication and avoiding touching the ongaonga.

Report wasp nests and any large ongaonga plants to DOC.

Weather

This area can get very hot in summer. It can snow in winter. There can be high wind, rain and cold temperatures at any time of year.

Check the weather forecast before you visit.

Be ready for any weather by packing a waterproof rain jacket, warm layers and sun protection.

Sources and reuse

Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.

The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.